Students take a chic step on career path

A global fashion contest uncovers future talent, Li Yingxue in Beijing and Xie Chuanjiao in Qingdao report.

With the red orb of the sun spilling its light on the sea, spectators on Zhanqiao Pier, Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, were treated to a radiant fashion spectacular.

The pier, a landmark tourist attraction, was transformed by the bright colors of the models' outfits elegantly displayed on the 440-meter-long century-old "runway".

The pier, once used as a navy dock built in 1892 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was actually decreed a national industrial heritage site in April.

It reverberated to the sound of walking models and applause at the World University Student Fashion Design Competition held from Nov 7 to 9.

The event brought together 25 young designers to present their inspirational outfits.

All were students or graduates drawn from 25 universities across 14 countries, including China, France, Germany, Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The event was co-organized by the Qingdao city government, the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and the China Fashion Association.

More than fashion was on show, as the three-day event held industrial networking, design shows, exhibitions, seminars, a fashion contest and an award ceremony.

A team of 20 judges scored the designers' works under five key metrics: fashion, quality, market, technology and responsibility. The judges talked to each designer to better understand their design concepts.

The young designers also showcased their creations at an exhibition at Qingdao Mixc, a popular shopping mall, and members of the public were asked to vote for their favorite designs. A total of 1,500 of them cast their votes.

Wang Yuqi, a student from the Royal Academy of Arts in London won first prize.

Second prizes were awarded to both Lea Kasper from the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany and Zhang Yuchuan from Donghua University.

The third-prize winners were students from China, Italy and South Africa.

There were four other single-item awards.